In the wake of the recent devastating earthquakes in western Afghanistan, UNICEF has initiated a $20 million funding appeal to provide critical assistance to 96,000 children among the 200,000 people impacted in the most devastated areas of Herat province.

With over 90% of reported earthquake casualties being women and children, the Zinda Jan district alone witnessed over 11,500 homes completely flattened. Two powerful 6.3-magnitude earthquakes struck the region within a span of five days, resulting in over 1,000 reported fatalities and leaving thousands more in urgent need of life-saving aid.

UNICEF's appeal, launched on Wednesday, outlines key areas of assistance:

1. First Aid and Trauma Care: Targeted at newborns, children, adolescents, and women through urban health facilities and mobile health teams.

2. Oral Rehydration Points: To prevent or respond to outbreaks of acute watery diarrhea, exacerbated by damaged or destroyed water systems.

3. Rehabilitation of WASH Facilities: In schools and healthcare facilities to ensure access to clean water and sanitation.

4. Screening and Treatment for Malnutrition: Focused on affected children.

5. Family Hygiene Kits: Including soap and other personal hygiene items to mitigate the risk of disease outbreaks.

6. Cash Assistance: For 1,400 households in Zinda Jan, the most affected district in Herat province.

7. Psychosocial Support: Through child-friendly spaces and an increased number of social workers for traumatized children and their parents.

8. Temporary Learning Spaces: Ensuring continuity of education while assessments on damaged school buildings are conducted.

As winter approaches with temperatures expected to drop significantly, UNICEF expresses deep concern about the well-being of children in the coming months.

Rushnan Murtaza, acting UNICEF Representative in Afghanistan, emphasized: "Even before the earthquake, these communities were already suffering from conflict, insecurity, migration, drought, displacement, and poverty. These deprivations have now collided, creating an unprecedented humanitarian emergency for children."

UNICEF, along with its partners, has been on the ground since the onset of the crisis, providing vital assistance. However, additional support is urgently needed to address the healthcare, protection, and clean water needs of affected children.

Funding from this appeal will enable UNICEF to implement a three-month Earthquake Response Plan, targeting 200,000 people, including 96,000 children in the most affected districts. (ILKHA)